The influence of management practices on the growth cycle of Bromus inermis Leyss in Southern Manitoba
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Date
1969
Authors
Waddington, John
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Abstract
Production, growth and development of bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) tillers on Red River clay fertilized in spring, midsummer or late fall with 185 lbs./acre of 27-14-0 and on non-fertilized areas were compared at frequent intervals under three harvesting systems. Seed yields in the range 200-670 lbs./acre were obtained. Seed production in 1964 equalled the combined production of 1965 and 1966. Differences in favor of fertilizer additions were not evident until the third harvest year. Forage dry matter yields were higher from two cuts per year than from one cut and averaged 4.3 tons per acre in the most productive year, 1965. Application of fertilizer in spring produced the most equitable distribution of forage between spring and summer cuts, and the application of fertilizer in late fall produced the higher proportion of dry matter in the first cut. Fertilizer application increased total dry matter yields by 50%. Forage protein yields were highest from two cuts per year... Deterioration of the bromegrass stand resulted in the "sodbound" condition was accompanied by reductions in density, height, and growth rate of tillers... Jointing in bromegrass started in early May, probably in response to suitable temperatures and stopped in late August when daylength became too short. During the jointing period, the rosette tiller was an evanescent stage between crown buds and jointed tillers. A harvest taken during this period removed all top growth and returned the growth cycle to the point at which it had started. For a period of 4 to 6 weeks after the start of growth or after a harvest, the number of crown buds was low. From late August to the cessation of growth in late fall, new tillers appeared continually from crown buds. The rosette tiller stage represented a considerable proportion of the tiller population. Cutting did not remove all top growth.